Character Analysis
As you were reading your assigned work, you had probably been engaging
in an informal character analysis without even knowing it, whether from
your own opinions, text you selected to highlight, or notes that you wrote.
With a little guidance on what to do with those various notations, writing a
character analysis should not be a problem!
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1) Pay attention to the character’s ethics. Does the character make just or
unjust choices? Consider Juan in “Ashes for the Wind” in light of his moral
choices. He does not make choices for the sake of convenience. Rather, he
shows he’s a truly just character by sticking to his principles even when his
life is at stake.
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2) Decide whether the character’s actions are wise or unwise. For
example, the son of Simon Arevalo, who despite his obvious discomfort,
continually makes poor decisions that reflect his inner corruption.
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3) What is the character’s motivation? As you are mulling over the pros
and cons of each character’s internal thoughts and external actions, you will
want to also consider why the character is acting or thinking in a particular
way. Has the author given you any clues about the character’s past? In “The
Metaphor,” Charlotte’s decision to ignore Miss Hancock, thought perhaps
unforgivable, is motivated by her fear of peer rejection.
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4) Consider the effects of the character’s behavior on other characters.
Charlotte’s decision to ignore Miss Hancock has a tragic effect on teacher.
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5) Look for repeatedly used words that describe the character. Those
words often give insight into a character’s psychology and motivations. The
son of Simon Arevalo is consistently described
using words that highlight his discomfort and role as the son of an old
friend. Why are these words reinforced?
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6) Be aware of items associated with the character. They may say
something about his or her state of mind. An example is the phonograph
and books treasured by the old man in “The Portable Phonograph” both
indicate a sense of what this character values and hoards.
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7) Read between the lines. Often what a character does not say is as
important as what he or she does say. When Charlotte does not respond to
Miss Hancock’s lesson and plea for student response and engagement, there
is much communicated about her and self-esteem.
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8) Is the character “flat” or “round”? A character is considered flat (or
static) when he or she does not experience change of any kind, does not
grow from beginning to end. Carmen in “Ashes for the Wind” is a minor
character who is limited in scope and is not developed enough for change to
occur. On the other hand, Charlotte in “The Metaphor” has a powerful shift
in worldview at the end of the story.
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9) Consider the historical time period of the character. Refrain from
making modern judgments about the past; put the character’s actions and
thoughts in context. A female character living in England in the 1800s
obviously could not make the choices that she could today, for both political
and social reasons.
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10) Finally, what does the author think? Look for any of the author’s
own judgments about the characters he or she has created. The author may
be directing you toward an intended interpretation. In “The Metaphor,” the
author’s tone is leading us toward a harsh judgment of Charlotte’s mother.
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